Project Connect has been awarded £100,000 over two years. This is to continue its ‘focused deterrence’ approach to reducing levels of violent crime in Hemlington, Middlesbrough.
The ‘tried and tested’ method was pioneered in America in the mid-1990s to address the escalation in gun related murders. It was also used effectively in Glasgow in 2008 to tackle the city’s gang violence problem.
It involves identifying those at risk or already involved in violence, providing support and encouragement to reintegrate them into the community, while clearly communicating the consequences of continuing to commit crimes through the enforcement of swift and tough sanctions.
The funds will commission phase two of Get Connected: Hemlington – an interactive programme undertaken by cross-sector professionals and community members.
Project Connect founder Joe Russo and facilitator Carlus Grant will deliver workshops to key stakeholders. They will work together to put a package of tailored support in place to help safeguard young people aged 11-25 against violent crime and exploitation.
They will work in partnership with Hemlington’s Linx Youth Project, which has more than 30 years’ experience in supporting people through a number of issues including mental health problems and addiction.
A previous crime-busting project – Safer Streets 4 – has already had a major impact on the lives of those living in Hemlington.
Figures for September 2022 to March 2023 show:
- 67% reduction in antisocial behaviour
- 52% reduction in criminal damage
- 78% reduction on shoplifting
- 39% reduction in public order offences